Best Budget Cameras for Fuji X Series

You’ve heard all about Fuji cameras. The colors. The ‘retro’ dials and intuitive shooting experience. The amazing lenses.

You want to try Fuji. But, you’re on a budget. And Fuji isn’t known for being cheap. If you can fight off the Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.), you keep your budget and get a great camera.

Here’s how to get into the Fuji X system without breaking the bank.

Fujicron Recommendation: Fujifilm X-T1

Let’s jump straight to the recommendation: most people on a budget will be best served by the Fujifilm X-T1.

The X-T1 was Fuji’s flagship model and it’s most popular for quite some time. It’s weather-sealed, has a tilty screen, great build, a huge EVF, and the SLR style is the best form factor for most people.

Other cameras to Consider:

XE2(s)

If you aren’t a fan of the X-T1’s SLR form factor, you’ll probably like the XE series. With the EVF on the left and the same 16MP sensor, either the X-E2 or the X-E2s is a great budget choice.

X-E2 vs X-E2s? The XE2 with a firmware upgrade will get you the same performance as an XE2s. There are a few minor changes to the button layout, but largely these are the same camera. Pick up whichever you can get cheaper.More details here.

X-T10

The X-T10 was my first foray into the Fuji-X system. If you’d like an X-T1 that’s smaller, here’s your camera. There’s no weather sealing, and I’d avoid if you have bigger hands, but otherwise the X-T10 is a great option.

X-Pro1

If you want Fuji’s famous hybrid OVF but can’t afford an X-Pro2, this is your only option. It’s the oldest interchangable lens camera in Fuji’s XF line, it’s slower than the options listed here and it’s missing some jpg color profiles like Classic Chrome. But it still makes beautiful pictures, and can be had in great condition for a steal. John McTaggart says it’s the [“best value in digital photography today”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b8m6PgJY-U).

Fixed Lenses:

If you don’t mind being locked into one prime lens, The X100 or X70 series can be a good budget pick. You get a camera and a lens for one price. If one of these is your only camera, you can’t have G.A.S. for new lenses because you can’t use them. There are tele and wide adapters though, so watch your wallet.

X100T or S

People love the X100 series for a reason, the small camera is easy to take everywhere, the fixed lens makes for a nice creative constraint, and the controls get out of the way of you making pictures.

Should you get the S or the T? Check prices, and make sure to read this awesome comparison at Fuji Vs Fuji. I don’t recommend the X100 unless you can get it for very cheap and are willing to deal with slow auto-focus.

X70

If you like the 28mm focal length and tilt screens, the Fujifilm X70 is your camera. You don’t get an EVF, but that’s the tradeoff for size. You might also take a look at the Ricoh GR.

Used or New?

If you’re on a budget, should you look at the used market? YES

Camera bodies drop significantly in value after being used. You can save hundreds of dollars on perfectly functioning cameras buy looking at the used market. Although Fuji doesn’t release new cameras as often as other companies, there are still new releases every few years. Plenty of camera enthusiasts want to buy the latest and greatest, and will off-load their ‘old’ but barely used cameras for cheap. Buying used is a great way to save some cash.

However, there are benefits to buying new. A new camera from Fuji comes with a 1 year warranty. Sometimes you can get used cameras with warranty remaining, but you’ll only have a few months instead of a whole year.

New cameras are more likely to last longer. You can’t know how carefully the previous owner used their camera. If they used it in dusty or wet environments without proper precautions your purchase might start failing soon. There’s not much recourse when you buy a used camera ‘as-is’.

It’s up to you to decide if the peace of mind is worth the extra money.

Where To Buy Used Fuji Cameras?

This is not an exhaustive list, but I’ve used each of these in the past and had good experiences.

Amazon – Look for the ‘Used & new’ section for options to buy used. When buying from 3rd party sellers always check their merchant rating.